When it comes to getting in the holiday spirit, Santa Claus doesn't have to be the only one who's toiling away.
People around the world are working hard to provide children and families with holiday cheer – like the brilliant minds behind this rare "hidden footage" of Santa's reindeer gearing up for the big night.
And when I saw the heartwarming lengths that two Massachusetts police departments went to in order to get in the Christmas spirit, I couldn't help but laugh.
The Wakefield and Bourne Police Departments have recently added a new suspect to their "Most Wanted" list…
According to these police, the culprit has been sneaking into gingerbread houses and performing "covert surveillance" on children. He may be doing Santa's bidding, but this suspect has gone a bit too far this year.
Scroll through below to see the adorable and hilarious elf that has become "Public Enemy Number One." These incredible police officers certainly know how to get their entire communities into the holiday spirit.
What do you think about their holiday culprit? Let us know in the comments!
[H/T: Huffington Post]
The Bourne Police Department has made a public plea: Help them track down this criminal mastermind.
In a hilarious twist on a holiday staple, they are seeking the world famous "Elf on a Shelf."
The Bourne Police Department posted on Facebook:
"Wanted Person: Use Caution. Wanted in a string of ginger bread house invasions. Known to spread Christmas cheer and a specialist in covert surveillance. Often seen hiding in high places. Do not approach and especially DO NOT touch, as this is known to cause loss of magical abilities to report back to his jolly kingpin!"
Their Facebook post has since gone viral, with many commenters seeking to reveal the elf's "last-spotted locations."
These sightings have been reported everywhere from Florida to Maryland to several Facebook users' homes.
All of the commenters seemed to agree, however, that it was time for this naughty character to be locked up for good, and many thanked the Bourne police department for their hard work (and Christmas spirit).
Even more recently, the Bourne Police Department got ahold of this "undercover footage" of the criminal at large.
The police shared on their Facebook page:
"Our festive fugitive continues to be elusive, even with more than 1/4 million people viewing his wanted poster. We have received hundreds of tips from all over the world and our dedicated inn-keepers will leave no stocking unturned."
According to the Huffington Post, mischievous and criminal elves are being tracked down by other police departments as well, such as the Wakefield Police Department in Middlesex County, MA.
The Wakefield police have been on the hunt for this “Elf on the Shelf,” who appears to be hiding in plain sight.
However, in the past few days, there has been a surprising turn of events.
After the elf apparently turned himself in to the county's police chief, the Wakefield Police Department has reversed its decision.
They are now signing the elf up as part of their special Christmas police force, welcoming him as one of their own. The elf has even been given his very own badge.
While police work can be very serious business, it is wonderful to know that they are bringing joy and laughter to so many people for the holiday season.
Would you want your local police to look for a "criminal" like this? Let us know in the comments.
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